Learn why: politics might not be a dirty word; the California coast votes differently than the interior; the vice-presidency isn't worth a pitcher of warm spit (as a vice-president said); most people don't know the names of more than a handful of representatives and senators; most bills fail; the presidency attracts candidates with zero job experience in the field; politics was very different before television; scandals have long harmed, but not always stopped, political careers; the voting method can affect the outcome; money does influence politics, but not exactly as many people think; your political voice can be louder; and why you should consider running for public office.